A number of rival AFL clubs have raised concerns over Collingwood coach Craig McRae's conduct following another sideline incident involving an opposition player on Friday night. The incident occurred during his team's six-point loss to the Sydney Swans at the SCG, where cameras captured McRae picking up a ball near the boundary and appearing to say something directly to Brodie Grundy as the ruckman chased a loose ball.
Grundy's Dominant Performance
Grundy finished the match with a staggering 34 disposals, 47 hit-outs, 12 clearances, and a goal in a best-on-ground display that earned him the Goodes-O'Loughlin Medal. Post-game, the Swans ruckman downplayed the incident, telling Channel Seven: 'There was nothing untoward...he just bobbed up.'
McRae's Response
McRae also dismissed the issue when questioned in his press conference. 'I'd love to be able to share but I can't share exactly what I said to him,' he said. 'Trust me, it was all respect. I've got great respect for what he's doing.'
Rival Clubs' Concerns
While those directly involved did not wish to take the matter further, other AFL clubs have reportedly had enough of McRae's behaviour. According to journalist Caroline Wilson, speaking on Agenda Setters: 'Well, it might have been all respect, but it certainly wasn't "g'day old mate" and I don't think Brodie Grundy was particularly impressed with what Craig McRae said.' Wilson added that after speaking with the Swans, the exact words would not be revealed, but described the exchange as 'positive but personal' and occurring during the game.
Wilson stated she spoke to four other AFL clubs who were 'quite astounded by some of Craig McRae's antics.' She said, 'You see that McRae says something to him. For an opposition coach to go and talk to a player, even if it's with a positive message of a deeply personal nature, I don't believe is on. The view from the other coaches is if you're going to coach from the bench, don't talk to the opposition.'
Previous Incident
This is not the first time the Collingwood coach has been involved in a sideline controversy. Last year, he had a heated confrontation with GWS coach Adam Kingsley. During that game, McRae celebrated and shouted towards the GWS bench after Giants player Toby Bedford gave away a costly 50-metre penalty. Kingsley intervened, confronting McRae and telling him he was 'better than that.' The AFL officially warned McRae for that interaction but did not fine or suspend him, though he later issued a public apology.
Defence from Lyon
Despite the uproar, McRae was defended by Hall of Famer Garry Lyon, who argued the incident could not have been that bad since the Swans did not lodge an official complaint. 'What am I missing here?' Lyon said. 'McRae said post-game that it was all respect. Caro (Wilson), in her own words, said it was all respect. Caro, in her own words, said it was positive. What is the problem? Where has life got to? And tell me the clubs who are outraged by it. So if you're not going to complain, don't go backgrounding people to whinge. Put your balls on the line and go, "No AFL, we're not impressed with this, we want an investigation."'
Background on Grundy and McRae
Grundy spent just one season under McRae at the Magpies in 2022 before injuries restricted him to six games and ultimately led to his departure. He was traded to Melbourne before later reviving his career at Sydney, where he has rediscovered the dominant form that once made him one of the AFL's premier big men.
